Trump’s Attack on Native Americans

By Hanna Malec

In this class, many sustainability topics have been discussed at length. One that has always piqued my interest has been the relationship between Native Americans and climate change. The rapid development of technology and its industries has brought upon the dangerous consequences of climate change. Minorities are often the first to face these consequences, despite not reaping the benefits of technology. President Trump has done nothing to protect Native American land or rights throughout his presidency; recently, he’s taken an outright dangerous and extreme step against them.

According to an article in the New York Times on December 16, 2020: “The Trump administration is rushing to approve a final wave of large-scale mining and energy projects on federal lands, encouraged by investors who want to try to ensure the projects move ahead even after President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. takes office” (Lipton, New York Times). Trump has been working to approve large projects in many states including Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Virginia, and West Virginia. Each of these projects is located near Native American land. This is no coincidence, this is an act of violence against minorities who are not able to fight government funded projects.

In Arizona, the Forest Service has begun a project on federal land that is considered sacred by a local Native American tribe, also known as the Chí’chil Biłdagoteel Historic District. The Forest Service, funded by the government, is preparing the construction of a large copper mine. This will be one of the nation’s largest copper mines when completely constructed.

In Utah, the Interior Department is looking to begin drilling into what they believe is an underground supply of helium inside a national wilderness area where new energy leasing is currently banned. The Interior Department states, “The BLM will consult with interested parties on identifying the area of potential effect, appropriate cultural resource identification efforts, the determination of effects to historic properties, and if necessary, the resolution of adverse effects for the proposed project” (BLM National NEPA Register). Although they state that they are looking into appropriate cultural resource identification and potential effect to historic properties, it is impossible to respect and spare the national land while drilling for helium underground.

In Nevada, the department is also granting final approval to construct an open-pit lithium mine on federal land right above a prehistoric volcano site. This is yet another federally protected piece of land that Trump is giving access to large, invasive construction energy crews.

Lastly, the Forest Service is taking another step to grant funding to constructing a natural gas pipeline to be built through the Jefferson National Forest. This pipeline goes through Virginia and West Virginia, and crosses the Appalachian Trail. If constructed, this pipeline would impact thousands of people in local communities.

Trump has shown no care for the environment or sustainability, and even less for Native Americans. The author explains, “Some, like a planned uranium mine in South Dakota, will require further approvals, or face lawsuits seeking to stop them, like the planned helium drilling project in Utah. But others, like the lithium mine in Nevada, will have the final federal permit needed before construction can begin, and will be hard for the next administration to stop. Whether they are the final word or not, the last-minute actions are just the latest evidence of how the far-reaching shift in regulatory policy under Mr. Trump has altered the balance between environmental concerns and business, giving substantial new weight to corporate interests” (Lipton, New York Times).

Through this activity, I have learned that corporate greed is far more destructive and manipulative than I could have ever imagined. I have also been inspired to continue researching these issues and looking into ways I can help. Donating to the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) and educating others on the issue are small steps anyone can take to help support the right side of history.